The Allure Of The Best
Do you love the idea of wearing a pair of shoes that are custom made just for you? In fact, most Manolos really aren’t quite that exclusive, but the careful craftsmanship and artistry used in producing each pair will make you feel like you are indeed stepping into something special. This makes them a valuable, although also subtle, status symbol for its wearers. In addition, it is true that only a small number of each design is made, so you are unlikely to find lots of women wearing the same style as you.
And while many fashion lines have their own logos or other identifying symbols plastered somewhere in sight, Manolos are recognized just by their classic lines coupled with unusual colors, patterns and other decorations. (There is also a Manolo Blahnik label on the inside sole, but it doesn’t show when you have them on.) This means that only those “in the know” will know for sure if you are wearing a pair of these high-end shoes.
Manolo Blahnik, The Man
Manolo Blahnik’s appreciation for unusual shoes can be traced back to his childhood. He was born in 1942 in the Canary Islands, where his mother had a passion for extravagant footwear, and many of her shoes were made by her own hand. This sparked Manolo’s own interest in 
fashion and appreciation for the art of women’s shoes. However, in his early years, Manolo had not seriously considered pursuing women’s accessories as a career himself. But in 1970, he was in New York City trying to become a theater set designer when he had a chance meeting with Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland. He showed her his theater sketches, including one of a unique shoe he had designed. Vreelend encouraged him to focus on designing shoes, and so the Manolo Blahnik footwear collection was born. Soon enough his designs had become quite popular in exclusive circles. Some of his noteworthy customers include Bianca Jagger, Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis and many other celebrities. Today, what truly sets Manolo apart from many other designers today is the fact that he truly “goes it alone.” He gives his own personal attention and oversight to every single shoe that bears his name. Rumor has it that he uses no assembly line or assistants, but instead insists of creating each and every shoe himself. This means that when he dies, the line will likely die with him.